(noun) 1. the berrylike fruit of either of two African shrubs that, when chewed, causes sour substances to taste sweet. 2. an old-fashioned blog started in 2008 that celebrates world travel and the adventure of life. (This is what blogs looked like in 2008, and it hasn't changed since.)

24 May 2011

la paz, bolivia

Bolivia's capital, La Paz, means 'the peace,' and it's pretty mellow for a decent-sized city (population a bit over a million). (The full name is Nuestra Señora de la Paz, 'our lady of the peace,' after the Virgin Mary.) It's bustling with pedestrians, but I never felt unsafe or crowded in.

When you cross the 'zebra stripes' in some of the central areas, there are friendly zebras to help you. (The zebra on the left has a red "Pare" (stop) sign to direct people and cars.) All major cities should have zebra crossing guards, no?

There was a nice variety of architecture and bright, cheery colors:

I was amazed every time I caught a glimpse of the city crawling up the hillsides.

I liked the mix of old and new, too.

There were also some neat old cars:

Sometimes it felt like people were looking at us.

And I'd think, 'Why aren't they looking at these people in their incredible costumes?' instead (below, left)?

Or this guy juggling on a corner:

I guess we're just fascinated by what's different.

Like telephone booths shaped like military trucker caps.

Or how the same church can look very different, depending on the angle and time of day.

La Paz was lovely at night, too, with tons of places to eat and a nice city skyline.

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a note on the photos

All of my photos on this blog were taken with a pocket-sized digital point-and-shoot. Feel free to use them, and while it would be nice to be given credit, I'll also just be glad someone liked one of my photos or found them useful.

If you're interested in seeing a photo book of my travels, you can check out my Blurb for Good book, The World Through a Little Lens, and if you'd like to make your own (either as an art book or to help support a cause/charity of your choice), you can make your own book here.